U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals: Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes | OneFootball

It’s the last of the lot, featuring two solid sides that have been wobbling.

Colorado Rapids Form

Colorado Rapids are languishing down in 11th place in the West on 16 points, have a positive goal differential, and are tied with last-place Sporting Kansas City with most losses (8). That is some bonkers level inconsistency. Their 24 goals have been scored by ten different players, led by Brazilian striker Rafael Navarro who’s found the net six times this season.

The hosts have taken one win from their last four, falling to Houston, St. Louis and Real Salt Lake. And frankly, their form in U.S. Open Cup matches so far has been lackluster. They barely squeaked past USL-1 giant-killers Union Omaha 1-0. In the Round of 16, in-state rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks took them the full 120 minutes. Defender Kosi Thompson saw a red card in the 78th minute, and they had to play short until prevailing in the penalty shootout. Resilient, sure, but hardly convincing.

San Jose Earthquakes Form

The Quakes’ U.S. Open Cup form has been ruthlessly efficient, however. They held off Phoenix Rising for a 2-0 win after going down to 10 men late in the first half. Against Minnesota FC, San Jose went down early, but rallied with a three-goal flurry in under nine minutes to knock the Loons for a loop.

This success comes as San Jose are having one of the best league starts in their 50+ year history. They won eight of their first nine league games, recording five clean sheets. But the condensed schedule from the World Cup has taken a toll. This will be their 6th game in 21 days, and their third straight midweek fixture. The grueling pace has certainly impacted form, and they’re entering this match a bit wobbly. In their last two games they entered stoppage time on level terms but conceded game-winning scores.

Offensively, they’re second in the league in goals scored (31) behind Inter Miami. Eleven different Quakes players have hit the seams, the joint highest in MLS, led by 26 year old Preston Judd who’s got 9g/2a and a knack for finding timely equalizers.

Prediction

If I was writing this article two weeks ago I would have given Quakes an emphatic win, and Rapids no hope. But now? It’s a deliciously enticing prospect that is sure to feature lots of goals. One thing is for certain, Quakes players’ legs cannot afford to hit extra time, so they’ll do everything possible to win in 90.

Colorado Rapids 2 – 3 San Jose Earthquakes